JP2002320067A - Facsimile server unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a facsimile server unit acting like a web server that can be used not only for distribution of received or scanned image data but also for equally a mail address and a facsimile number so as to enhance the security more than that of a conventional technology. SOLUTION: The facsimile server unit 20 is a server unit connected to a plurality of client PCs 30 via a LAN 70. The facsimile server unit 20 has an HTTP server function that stores image data received or scanned by the facsimile server unit 20 to a storage location with a prescribed URL, a transmission function that transmits the stored image data to a prescribed destination, and a notice function that informs other prescribed destination about the storage location of the stored image data by using electronic mail, and a main control section 1 of the facsimile server unit 20 controls the transmission function and the notice function to be selectively used depending on the broadcasting destination.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a facsimile server device used in, for example, a facsimile system.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art For example, a facsimile server device connected to a communication line such as a public telephone line and having a facsimile transmission / reception function and a client device such as a personal computer are connected to a local area network (hereinafter referred to as "L").
It is called AN. A facsimile system connected via a) has been put to practical use. In this conventional facsimile system, a facsimile server device transmits image data to a destination via a communication line by transmitting a transmission instruction signal including image data and destination information from a client device to a facsimile server device. On the other hand, when the facsimile server device receives the image data, the client device receives the image data by transmitting the image data to a predetermined client device.

In the prior art, a facsimile server device is provided with a web (WEB) server function so that a client personal computer (hereinafter abbreviated as a client PC) has a browser (for example, via a communication line such as the Internet or a LAN). A browsing program for reading and displaying data stored in the WEB server device, or for inputting, setting, or monitoring and controlling the data.) Referencing from a browser has been done.

[0004]

However, in the prior art, the web server cannot be used not only for distributing the received or scanned image data, but also for a mail address and a facsimile number. There was a problem that the retention was still low.

[0005] An object of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems and to use a Web server not only for distributing received or scanned image data, but also for using a mail server, a facsimile number, and the like. An object of the present invention is to provide a facsimile server device that can be improved as compared with the related art.

[0006]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A facsimile server device according to the present invention is a facsimile server device connected to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication line and stores received or scanned image data in a predetermined URL storage location. HTTP server means for storing the stored image data to a predetermined destination, and notifying means for notifying the storage location of the stored image data to another predetermined destination. It is characterized by.

[0007] The facsimile server device preferably further comprises control means for controlling the transmission means and the notification means to operate selectively according to the destination of the broadcast. .

In the facsimile server, the notifying means preferably notifies the storage location of the authentication screen linked to the storage location instead of the notification of the storage location of the stored image data. It is characterized by.

Further, in the facsimile server device, the notifying means preferably changes a storage location of a URL for each of the stored image data.

[0010] Still further, in the facsimile server device, preferably, the display screen of the storage location of the image data has a read button, and when the read button is turned on, a read signal is read and managed. It is characterized by further comprising management control means for outputting to the means.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

<Embodiment> FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a facsimile system including a facsimile server device 20 having a web server function according to an embodiment of the present invention. The facsimile system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of N client PCs 30-1 to 30-30.
-N (hereinafter, generically denoted by reference numeral 30), a facsimile server device 20 connected to a public telephone network 80 via a public telephone line L, a mail server device 50, and a router connected to the Internet 90. Device 60 is LAN7
0.

In this embodiment, the facsimile server device 20 is a server device connected to a plurality of client PCs 30 via a LAN 70, and stores image data received or scanned by the facsimile server device 20 in a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator). HTTP server function, which is a Web server function stored in the storage location of
A facsimile server device having a transmission function of transmitting the stored image data to a predetermined destination, and a notification function of notifying a storage location of the stored image data to another predetermined destination by e-mail. The main control unit 1 of 20 is provided with a selective distribution function for controlling the transmission function and the notification function to selectively operate according to the destination of the broadcast.

Further, in the notification function of the facsimile server device 20, instead of the notification of the storage location of the stored image data, the storage location of the authentication screen linked to the storage location is notified by e-mail, Further, the storage location of the URL is changed for each of the stored image data. Further, the display screen of the storage location of the image data has a read button, and when the read button is turned on by clicking with the mouse, the read signal is read by the read management unit of the main control unit 1. , It is possible to grasp and manage which distribution destination is already read.

In FIG. 1, a mail server device 50 comprises:
E-mail received from a client PC or a mail server device (not shown) of the other party via the Internet 90 and the LAN 70, and when the received e-mail includes image data encoded in MIME format, the e-mail including the image data Hold. When transmitting an e-mail including image data via the Internet 90, the client PC 3
From 0, the message is transmitted to the destination mail server via the mail server 50, the router 60, and the Internet 90.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the client PC 30 shown in FIG. In FIG. 2, a client PC 30 is a known personal computer, and executes processes such as generation and recording of image data and character data. In the present embodiment, the client PC 3
0 is used, for example, as a terminal device for transmitting or receiving facsimile image data. Main control unit 10
1 is specifically configured by a CPU, which is connected to the following hardware units via a bus 113 to control them and execute various software functions to be described later. In the client PC 30, an image reading unit 102 and an image recording unit 103 are provided as an option. The image reading unit 102 reads an original with a scanner using a CCD or the like, and outputs dot image data converted into binary black and white. The image recording unit 103 is, for example, a printer device of an electrophotographic system or the like, and prints out and records image data received from another facsimile server device by facsimile communication as a hard copy, or records character data. The display unit 104 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display, and displays the operation state of the client PC 30 and displays image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data. The operation unit 105 is, for example, a keyboard for inputting character data and instruction commands.

The ROM 106 stores the client PC 3
0 are stored in advance, which are various software programs necessary for the operation of No. 0 and executed by the main control unit 101.
The RAM 107 includes an SRAM, a DRAM, an SDRA
M is used as a working area of the main control unit 101 and stores temporary data generated when the program is executed. In addition, hard disk drive 1
Reference numeral 08 denotes a storage device having a built-in recording medium, which stores an application program to be executed and an image memory.
The LAN interface 112 is connected to the LAN 70, receives signals and data from the LAN 70, and
It transmits signals and data to the AN 70 and executes interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion.

FIG. 3 shows the facsimile server apparatus 2 shown in FIG.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a 0. In FIG. 3, the facsimile server device 20 has a selective distribution function based on a distribution condition table in addition to a conventional facsimile communication function of the G3 system or the like. The main control unit 1 is specifically C
It is composed of a PU, is connected to the following hardware units via a bus 13, controls them, and executes various software functions to be described later. The image reading unit 2 is a scanner unit that reads a document image and converts it into image data in the same manner as the image reading unit 102 in FIG. 2, and the image recording unit 3 converts the image data into a predetermined data, similarly to the image recording unit 103 in FIG. A printer unit that records on paper.

The display unit 4 is a display device such as a liquid crystal display (LCD) or a CRT display. The display unit 4 displays the operation state of the facsimile server device 20, and transmits image data of a document to be transmitted and received image data. Is displayed. The operation unit 5 includes character keys, dial numeric keys, speed dial keys, one-touch dial keys, and the like necessary for operating the facsimile server device 20.
And various function keys. The display unit 4 may be configured to be a touch panel type so that some or all of the various keys of the operation unit 5 can be substituted.

The ROM 6 stores in advance various software programs necessary for the operation of the facsimile server device 20 and executed by the main control unit 1, where the programs are stored in at least the transmission processing of FIG. Including programs. The RAM 7 is an SRAM, a DRAM, an S
It is composed of a DRAM or the like, and is used as a working area of the main control unit 1 and stores temporary data generated when a program is executed. Here, the RAM 7 stores a distribution condition table 7a and a client registration table 7 described in detail later.
b. When a flash memory is used as the RAM 7, even if the power is cut off due to a power failure, a movement of the apparatus, or the like, the contents of the data are not lost. The image memory 8 is composed of a DRAM or the like, and stores image data to be transmitted or received image data.

The fax modem 10 is connected to a public telephone line L
And has the function of a fax modem for normal facsimile communication. An NCU (Network Control Unit) 11 is a hardware circuit that performs closing and opening operations such as a DC loop of an analog public telephone line L and has an automatic dial function. To the public telephone line L. Here, the NCU 11 detects an ID receiving terminal activation signal and a normal telephone call signal in the outgoing telephone number notification service, and transmits a primary response signal and a secondary response signal in the outgoing telephone number notification service as necessary. can do. The NCU 11 may be connected to a baseband transmission type digital line (for example, an ISDN line) via a predetermined terminal adapter and a DSU (Digital Service Unit).

Further, the LAN interface 12
While being connected to the LAN 70 and receiving signals and data from the LAN 70, it transmits signals and data to the LAN 70 and executes interface processing such as signal conversion and protocol conversion.

The facsimile server device 20 configured as described above has a facsimile communication function of a normal G3 system or the like. The dot image data received in the e-mail format from the mail server device 50 is encoded by software in accordance with an encoding system such as MH, MR, MMR, etc. defined by the standard of facsimile communication.
Sent to the destination facsimile machine. The image memory 8 stores the image data as needed, and outputs the stored image data as needed.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of the distribution condition table 7a in the RAM 7 of FIG. 3, and shows distribution conditions indicating how to distribute the received or scanned image data. As the distribution conditions to be registered, various conditions and distribution destinations can be registered. In the example shown in FIG. 4, a reception destination and a distribution operation date and time, and a distribution destination when the conditions are satisfied, and And information indicating whether or not the received facsimile image data is to be recorded and output on a sheet by the image recording unit 3.

As the reception condition, a condition can be set for any information sent from the source device of the facsimile image data (or the exchange of the telecommunications carrier). For example, a caller ID notification or ISDN subaddress sent from the exchange when receiving a call, a source number or F sent as a TSI signal in a facsimile procedure.
Conditions can be set for the code subaddress and the password. If reception from a plurality of lines is possible, it is possible to set conditions for the line number and the like that have arrived. In the example shown in FIG.
The source number sent by the I signal is "03-456
7-8901 "and a receiving condition that the ISDN subaddress is" * 2 ". Of course, it is possible to set various conditions, such as setting partial information, such as only the area code of the transmission source, and setting conditions to be excluded.

As the reception conditions, in addition to such individual conditions, conditions that are always suitable for facsimile reception (for all reception) may be set. In FIG. 4, individual conditions are indicated by "always matching". Further, it is possible to set a condition that, out of the distribution conditions stored in the distribution condition storage unit 13, the distribution condition other than the distribution condition is not satisfied. In FIG. 4, this condition is indicated as "other than the above condition".

The distribution operation date and time can be set based on a time zone in which the distribution is performed. For example, the example shown in FIG. 4 shows a condition for designating distribution during working hours from 9:00 to 17:00, a condition for designating a Monday to Friday weekday, and a condition combining these. For example, it is possible to designate whether these conditions are valid every day, every week, every month, every year, or only at that time. In the example shown in FIG. 4, “every day” and “weekly” are set to be repeatedly enabled. Of course, such time may be specified in combination with the day of the week or date, and an example of the combination is also shown in FIG. Further, a time zone during which distribution is not performed may be designated. Further, as shown in FIG. 4 as “always”, the time zone may not be restricted.

As the distribution destination, various information for specifying the distribution destination can be set. For example, if distribution is to be made to the client PC 30 on another network such as a LAN, for example, an e-mail address can be set, or a Salutation user ID can be set.
Alternatively, if a device is specified, an IP address may be set. In the case of facsimile distribution via the public telephone line L, a facsimile number may be set. Of course, in addition to this, information for specifying the distribution destination according to the communication protocol with the distribution destination can be set. It is also possible to specify a distribution destination group, for example, by setting up to a domain when specifying an e-mail address. Note that a plurality of distribution destinations can be set as distribution destinations. In this case, distribution destinations having different communication protocols may coexist.

Information indicating whether to record and output on paper is
For example, it indicates whether or not facsimile image data received by the image recording unit 3 or a preset printer on the LAN 70 is to be recorded and output. When there are a plurality of matching distribution conditions, if at least one of them is designated to record and output, the received facsimile image data is recorded and output. Alternatively, the recording output conditions may be separately determined, such as recording and outputting the number of copies equal to the number of distribution conditions for which recording output is specified among the suitable distribution conditions. In addition, even if it is specified that recording and output are not performed under the applicable distribution conditions, if the received facsimile image data cannot be distributed to the destination specified in the distribution conditions, regardless of this setting, It can be configured to record and output.

Next, the client registration table 7b registered in the RAM 7 will be described. The client registration table 7b contains a user ID, a password, an e-mail address, personal information (such as a name), a department code, and a group number for each client device to which image data is delivered from the facsimile server device 20. Are registered in advance, and registered as a user of the facsimile server device 20. In the facsimile server device 20, the facsimile telephone number, e-mail address, user ID, and the like can be registered in the one-touch dialing and speed dialing registration tables. Facsimile transmission can also be performed by means such as direct entry of a number or destination. Also, by using these means in a mixed manner, it is possible to mix and designate destinations such as a user ID, a mail address, a FAX number and the like, and to perform broadcast transmission.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are flowcharts showing the distribution processing based on the distribution condition table, which is executed by the main controller 1 of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

First, in step S51 of FIG. 5, for example, when facsimile reception is performed via a public line,
Check delivery conditions. Next, in step S52, initialization is performed. Here, a variable N for sequentially selecting distribution conditions is set to 1, a print flag indicating whether or not to perform recording output is set to 0, and destination lists D1 and D2 for storing destinations are empty (Nu11). Set to.
After performing various initial settings, processing for each distribution condition stored in the distribution condition table 7a is performed. In step S53, it is determined whether or not the current date and time is within the range of the distribution operation date and time for the N-th distribution condition. If it is within the range of the distribution operation date and time, it is determined that the distribution condition is not suitable, and the process proceeds to step S59.

If the current date and time falls within the range of the distribution operation date and time, the reception conditions in the distribution conditions are checked in steps S54 and S55. If the reception condition is always satisfied in step S54, the distribution destination set in the distribution condition is set to the destination list D in step S56.
Add to 1. At this time, the distribution destination already included in the destination list D1 is not added redundantly. Further, when the condition is that it does not meet any of the other distribution conditions (here, it is shown as “other than the above conditions”), at this point, step S59 is performed as it is.
Proceed to.

Further, if individual conditions other than these are set, it is determined in step S55 whether various information from the transmission source device (or exchange) at the time of facsimile reception satisfies the conditions. I do. If the individual condition is not satisfied, the process proceeds to step S59. If the individual conditions are met,
In step S56, the corresponding distribution destination is designated as destination list D
Add to 1. At this time, the distribution destination already included in the destination list D1 is not added redundantly.

In step S56, the destination list D1 of the distribution destination
After the addition, the setting of whether or not to perform the recording output is referred to in step S57. Only in the case where the setting for recording output has been made, the print flag is set to 1 in step S58. In step S59,
The variable N is compared with the number of registrations of the distribution condition. If the value of the variable N is smaller than the number of registrations, the value of the variable N is increased by 1 in step S60, and the process proceeds to step S53 in order to perform the processing for the next distribution condition. Return. Note that the number of registered distribution conditions is, for example, the number of distribution conditions actually stored in the distribution condition table 7a, and is fixed to the maximum number of distribution conditions that can be registered. It may be controlled not to do so.

When the value of the variable N is equal to or greater than the number of registrations and all the distribution conditions have been processed, step S6 in FIG.
In 1, it is determined whether or not the destination is stored in the destination list D1 (whether or not it is Nu11). If the destination is stored in the destination list D1, step S
At 62, the facsimile image data received at step S51 is distributed to the respective distribution destinations stored in the destination list D1. If the destination list D1 remains empty (Nu11) in step S61,
If there is a delivery condition that satisfies none of the other delivery conditions,
Steps S63 to S71 are performed.

That is, in step S63, the same variable N as described above is reset to 1. Then, the N-th distribution condition is examined while increasing the value of the variable N by one. In step S64, it is determined whether the distribution operation date and time of the Nth distribution condition includes the current date and time,
If not included, it is determined that the distribution condition is not satisfied, and the process proceeds to step S69. If the distribution operation date and time of the Nth distribution condition includes the current date and time, the condition in step S65 is that the reception condition in the distribution condition does not match any other distribution condition. It is determined whether or not. Note that FIG. 5 shows “other than the above conditions” as a condition that the distribution condition is not satisfied. If the reception condition is not this condition, that is, if the condition is always satisfied or individual condition, the process proceeds to step S69.

In this manner, if a distribution condition that satisfies the condition that the current date and time is within the distribution operation date and time and does not meet any of the other distribution conditions is found, in step S66 the distribution condition is determined. Is added to the destination list D2. At this time, the destination list D2 has already been set.
The distribution destinations included in the URL are not added redundantly.

For the distribution conditions found, reference is made to the setting of whether or not to perform recording output in step S67. Then, only when the setting for performing the recording output is made, the print flag is set to 1 in step S68. Next, in step S69, the variable N and the number of registered distribution conditions are compared. If the value of the variable N is smaller than the registered number, the value of the variable N is increased by 1 in step S70, and the process for the next distribution condition is performed. To perform, the process returns to step S64. Note that the number of registered distribution conditions is the same as in step S59.

When the value of the variable N is equal to or greater than the number of registrations and all the distribution conditions have been processed, in step S71, the facsimile image received in step S51 is transmitted to the respective distribution destinations stored in the destination list D2. Distribute data. In this example, the processing of steps S63 to S70 performs a process of searching again for a distribution condition that satisfies none of the other distribution conditions. For example, in step S54, the distribution condition of this condition is determined. When it is found, the value of the variable N at that time may be saved, and the distribution destination may be acquired based on the saved value.

Step S62 or step S71
Delivery of facsimile image data to the delivery destination in
This is performed by a protocol corresponding to each distribution destination. For example, it can be transmitted by a known Salutation protocol via the LAN 70, or can be transmitted by e-mail by SMTP. Alternatively, facsimile transmission can be performed via the public telephone line L.

After the facsimile image data is distributed to the destination in step S62 or S71, the print flag is referenced in step S72. If the print flag is 1, step S7
At 4, the received facsimile image data is recorded and output from, for example, the recording unit 16. If the print flag remains 0, it is determined in step S73 whether there is a delivery destination that could not be delivered. If there is a delivery destination that could not be delivered, the facsimile received in step S74 is also determined. Record and output image data. When determining whether or not the facsimile image data has been successfully delivered to the delivery destination, for example, after the delivery, if there is no reception response from the delivery destination after waiting for a predetermined time, or retry the delivery a predetermined number of times. In cases such as when the distribution could not be performed, it can be determined that the distribution could not be performed. In this way, the received facsimile image data can be distributed to the distribution destination according to the distribution conditions registered in advance.

As described above, according to the distribution processing according to the present embodiment, the distribution destination is determined based on the distribution conditions, so that distribution according to the situation can be performed, and flexible system operation can be performed. Become. For example, by registering a time zone in which distribution is performed as a distribution condition, it is possible to easily perform a setting such as changing a distribution destination according to a facsimile reception time. Also, even if a plurality of distribution destinations with different protocols are specified as distribution destinations, distribution is performed according to the protocol according to each distribution destination, so that the distribution destination can be easily set without regard to the communication protocol and the like. it can. Of course, the recording output can also be specified. Further, by recording and outputting the facsimile image data that could not be distributed, it is possible to avoid a situation where the received facsimile image data is stored in the apparatus and is forgotten.

FIG. 7 shows the facsimile server 2 of FIG.
9 is a timing chart showing an example of image data distribution from 0. In the facsimile server device 20, when image data is distributed to a registered client user, efficient distribution is performed by notifying the image data itself and notifying by using an e-mail. And

In the example of FIG. 7, the facsimile server 2
The document to be delivered is scanned by the image reading unit 2
The image data of the read original is temporarily stored in the image memory 8 and then stored in the client PCs 30-1 and 30-1.
-2, the notification e-mail notifying that there is image data to be delivered is transmitted, while the facsimile apparatus 200 that cannot transmit the e-mail is ITU-
T.T. The scanned image data is transmitted by facsimile using a communication procedure based on Recommendation 30. Here, in sending the notification e-mail, specifically, as shown in FIG.
U to login screen accessible from web browser
An e-mail describing the RL is created and transmitted to the client PCs 30-1 and 30-2 of the destination user. Client PCs 30-1 and 3 that have received the notification e-mail
Each of the users 0-2 clicks on a URL (hyperlinked) in the e-mail to activate a web browser and access the designated URL. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, an authentication screen for inputting the user ID and password is displayed, and the user of each of the client PCs 30-1 and 30-2 inputs his / her own user ID and password, and the facsimile server device Login to the web server in 20. In the case where the image data is a document transmitted from a predetermined transmission source, only the user designated by the sender as the transmission destination can log in, and if the distribution document is the one shown in FIG. Only users can log in.

Here, if the user can log in correctly, FIG.
You can see the screen as shown in On the screen,
The image data of the thumbnail-displayed document is displayed at the top, and the content of the document can be confirmed on the screen. As shown in FIG. 11, there are buttons for "print", "read", and "download". When "print" is turned on by clicking with a mouse, the image data can be recorded on paper and output in the image recording unit 3 in the facsimile server device 20. When "download" is clicked on using a mouse, the image data stored in the image memory 8 in the facsimile server device 20 is stored in the hard disk drive 108 in the client PC 30-1 or 30-2. Can be saved as further,
When "read" is pressed, the image data of this document is stored in the facsimile server device 20 in the client PC 30.
It is recognized that the user has been read by the -1 or 30-2 user, and the administrator can manage the already-read user and understand it.

At this time, if the received original is distributed, the information of the transmission source and the reception time may be displayed. Further, inside the facsimile server device 20, when all the users of all the client PCs 30 to which the notification e-mail has been sent press “read” on the display screen and recognize that the image data has been read, the stored document is automatically deleted. Alternatively, a mark indicating that the image data has been read by all the members may be added, and the image data may be deleted by an administrator or a person who has accumulated the image data.

FIG. 8 shows the facsimile server 20 of FIG.
5 is a timing chart showing an example of distribution of image data received by the method shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 8, the facsimile server device 20 transmits the ITU-T
Recommendation T. After temporarily storing the image data transmitted using the communication procedure based on the image data 30 in the image memory 8, the notification electronic device notifies the client PCs 30-1 and 30-2 that there is image data to be distributed. As for the facsimile apparatus 201 which transmits an e-mail but cannot transmit an e-mail, the ITU-T's T.T. The scanned image data is transmitted by facsimile using a communication procedure based on Recommendation 30. Here, the notification email is sent
This is performed in the same manner as described above.

When the notification e-mail is sent, if the display procedure of the facsimile server device 20 does not require authentication, the authentication screen shown in FIG. 10 may be omitted. Also, the three buttons at the bottom of the display screen of FIG. 11 may be provided with at least one or not provided as necessary.

As described above, after receiving the notification of the delivery using the electronic mail, the user only has to print or download the necessary image data, and it is not necessary to receive a useless document. Further, since only the notification mail is transmitted for distribution (transmission) to the user, the data amount is small. Furthermore, since authentication is performed on the authentication screen, only the destination user specified by the sender or the user targeted for distribution can see, thereby greatly improving security compared to the conventional technology. .

As described above, according to the present embodiment, image data received or scanned by the facsimile server device 20 is stored in a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
ator), a transmission function of transmitting the stored image data to a predetermined destination, and an e-mail using a storage location of the stored image data at another predetermined destination. The main control unit 1 of the facsimile server device 20 has a selective function of performing control by selectively using the transmission function and the notification function according to a broadcast destination. It has a distribution function. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the web server
It can be used not only for distribution of received or scanned image data, but also for mail addresses and facsimile numbers, and it is possible to selectively use the image data transmission function and the e-mail notification function. .

Further, in the notification function of the facsimile server device 20, instead of the notification of the storage location of the stored image data, the storage location of the authentication screen linked to the storage location is notified by e-mail, Further, the storage location of the URL is changed for each of the stored image data. As a result, security in image data distribution can be significantly improved as compared with the related art. Further, the display screen of the storage location of the image data has a read button, and outputs a read signal to the read management unit of the main control unit 1 when the read button is pressed and turned on. This makes it possible to easily grasp and manage which distribution destination has been read.

<Modification> In the above embodiment, the example of the facsimile server device 20 has been described.
The present invention is not limited to this, and can be applied to a communication terminal device connected to a public network such as a public telephone network or a public digital line network, including a telephone, a data communication device, a server device, and the like. Accordingly, the image data may be various data such as other character data and program data, and the transfer destination facsimile number may be a telephone number of a public network line to which the data modem is connected. Good.

[0054]

As described above in detail, according to the facsimile server apparatus according to the present invention, in the facsimile server apparatus connected to a plurality of terminal apparatuses via a communication line,
HTTP server means for storing received or scanned image data in a predetermined URL storage location, transmission means for transmitting the stored image data to a predetermined destination, and storage location for the stored image data in a predetermined location Notification means for notifying another destination. Therefore, according to the present invention, the web server can be used not only for the distribution of the received or scanned image data, but also for the mail address and the facsimile number, and the transmission means and the notification means can be selectively used. Becomes possible.

[0055] The facsimile server preferably further comprises control means for controlling the transmission means and the notification means to operate selectively according to the destination of the broadcast. Therefore, according to the present invention, the web server can be used not only for the distribution of received or scanned image data, but also for the mail address and the facsimile number, and the transmission means can be used according to the destination of the broadcast. The notification means can be selectively operated.

In the facsimile server device, the notifying means preferably notifies the storage location of the authentication screen linked to the storage location instead of the notification of the storage location of the stored image data. Therefore, according to the present invention, the security of image data distribution can be improved by providing the authentication screen.

Further, in the facsimile server, the notifying means preferably changes the storage location of the URL for each of the stored image data. Therefore, according to the present invention, the security of image data distribution can be further improved.

Furthermore, in the facsimile server device, preferably, the display screen of the storage location of the image data has a read button, and when the read button is turned on, the read signal is read and managed. The information processing apparatus further includes management control means for outputting to the means. Thus, according to the present invention,
It is possible to easily grasp and manage at which distribution destination the read image data is already read.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a facsimile system including a facsimile server device 20 having a web server function according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a client PC 30 of FIG.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a distribution condition table 7a in a RAM 7 of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a first part of a distribution process based on a distribution condition table, which is executed by the main control unit 1 of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a second part of the distribution process based on the distribution condition table, which is executed by the main control unit 1 of the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

FIG. 7 is a timing chart showing an example of image data distribution from the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

8 is a timing chart showing an example of distribution of image data received by the facsimile server device 20 of FIG.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a notification electronic mail of FIG. 5;

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of an authentication screen when the URL in FIG. 7 is referred to.

11 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen displayed when correct authentication information is input on the authentication screen of FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Main control part, 2 ... Image reading part, 3 ... Image recording part, 6 ... ROM, 7 ... RAM, 7a ... Distribution condition table, 7b ... Client registration table, 8 ... Image memory, 10 ... Fax modem, 11 ... NCU, 12 LAN interface, 20 facsimile server device, 30, 30-1 to 30-N client personal computer (client PC), 50 mail server device, 60 router device, 70 local area network (LAN) 80: public telephone network; 90: Internet; 101: main control unit; 106: ROM; 107: RAM; 108: hard disk drive; 112: LAN interface; L: public telephone line.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 1/32 H04N 1/32 Z F term (Reference) 5C062 AA02 AA05 AA14 AA16 AA29 AA30 AA35 AB23 AB42 AB43 AC31 AF02 AF06 AF12 BA00 BC01 5C075 AB90 CD07 CD21 EE02 FF04 FF90 5K030 GA15 HA06 HB04 HC02 HD03 JT05 5K036 AA15 BB01 DD25 EE13 5K101 KK01 KK02 NN18 NN21 PP03

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A facsimile server device connected to a plurality of terminal devices via a communication line, an HTTP server means for storing received or scanned image data in a storage location of a predetermined URL, A facsimile server device comprising: a transmitting unit that transmits data to a predetermined destination; and a notifying unit that notifies a storage location of the stored image data to another predetermined destination. 2. The facsimile server according to claim 1, further comprising control means for controlling the transmission means and the notification means to operate selectively according to the destination of the broadcast. apparatus. 3. The storage device according to claim 1, wherein the notification unit notifies the storage location of the authentication screen linked to the storage location instead of the storage location of the stored image data. A facsimile server device as described in the above. 4. The facsimile server device according to claim 1, wherein said notifying means changes a storage location of a URL for each of the stored image data. 5. A management control means having a read button on the display screen of the storage location of the image data and outputting a read signal to the read management means when the read button is turned on. The facsimile server device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein: